Security Banking Tips From First National Bank of River Falls

Be aware of potential scams during Covid-19. You may receive phone calls or emails with opportunities to help you through this challenging time. Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. We are here for you! Call us if you are questioning anything. Here are a couple great resources for you to check out, Federal Trade Commission Coronavirus Advice for Consumers and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Avoiding scams during quarantine 

Spear-phishers appear to be someone you know or trust.

Unlike regular phishing attacks, spear-phishing are personalized to their victims. Because of the personal level of these emails, it is more difficult to identify spear-phishing attacks. With all of this information, the attacker would be able to act as a friend or a familiar entity and send a convincing but fraudulent message to increase their chance of fooling recipients into giving up information or clicking on a link.

Always remember:

  • Don't post it on social media if there is anything that you do not want a potential scammer to see
  • Don't click on the links. If an organization such as your financial institution sends you a link, launch your browser and go directly to that site instead of clicking on the link itself. You can also check the destination of a link by hovering your mouse over it. If the URL does not match the link's anchor text or the email's stated destination, there is a good chance that it could be malicious.
  • Don't use the same password for more than one account & change them frequently.
  • Frequently update your software. Enable automatic software updates when possible, including your operating system.
  • Use logic. If you get an email from a "friend" asking for personal information including your password, carefully check to see if their email address is one that you have seen them use in the past. Real businesses will never send you an email asking for your username or password.
Actions to Take If You Become A Victim of Identity Theft
  • Place a "FRAUD ALERT" on your credit reports, and view the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open a new account in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert. A call to one company is sufficient:
    Equifax: 1.800.525.6285
    Experian: 1.888.EXPERIAN (397.3742)
    TransUnion: 1.800.680.7289
  • Close Accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently.
    • Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changes were made without your okay. Follow up in writing with copies of supporting documents.
    • Use the ID Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/idtheft to support your written statement.
    • Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
    • Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.
  • File a Police Report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
    Online: ftc.gov/idtheft
    By phone: 1.877.ID.THEFT (438.4338) or TTY, 1.866.653.4261
    By mail: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission,
    Washington, DC 20589
Make Yourself a Harder Target

Do's:

  • Check your credit report regularly for any signs of identity theft.
  • Place a fraud alert on your credit report if your data has been compromised.
  • Keep your software up to date (browser, applications, operating systems).

Don'ts:

  • Don't use unsecured public Wi-Fi to access any accounts or to shop.
  • Don't use the same password for more than one account.
  • Don't share personal information on social media sites.
Additional Resources
The following are additional resources.

Stop. Think. Connect. - A global online safety awareness campaign to help all digital citizens stay safer and more secure online.

FTC - Federal Trade Commission